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Top tier sandwich in the city, but it's a Philly cheesesteak and not an Italian beef

Had to start this list with Johnnie's, it's allegedly what The Bear's sandwich place is based off of. My personal order is a combo with extra peppers and an Italian ice.

Underrated and lowkey Korean food, specifically the pork skin and skewers.

Ethiopian with warmth and depth.

An all-day Italian pasta bar where everything is handmade and plated with style. You’re here for pillowy gnocchi, plin with sage butter, and Aperol in the afternoon sun.

The caramelized crust that launched a thousand cravings. Deep dish done differently — heavier on the chew, lighter on the filler. Locals go here, not Lou’s.

Italian deli-meets-sandwich counter. Where mortadella meets giardiniera on a crusty roll, and the pastrami is house-smoked. Ideal for weekday indulgence or picnic stocking.

Hyper-seasonal Midwestern cooking with a pasta program that punches above its weight. Think beet agnolotti, clever veg-forward dishes, and a rotating list of small producers on the wine menu.

Logan Square’s ramen standby. Rich broth, tender chashu, and consistent lines out the door. It's your go-to when only a steaming bowl will do.

Home of the legendary Beijing duck dinner — carved tableside, served with bao, and absolutely worth the hype. An Uptown classic that’s as satisfying for group dinners as it is for leftovers the next day.